Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
